Oil pulling has been all the rage lately. People are swearing it can eliminate a strawberry nose and any oil cleanser will work. However, you need to know more about oil pulling before rubbing oil onto your skin. We’ll cover everything you need to know about what is oil pulling for skin so you can decide if it’s right for you.
I participate in affiliate programs, including Amazon Affiliates, and may earn a small commission if you purchase items through the site’s link.
What Is Oil Pulling For Skin
Oil pulling for skin is when you use specific skincare or cooking oils to help remove gunk from deep within your skin. It works well for those little white dots called sebaceous filaments and blackheads so it could eliminate strawberry nose.
How To Do Oil Pulling
Oil pulling for skin is a pretty straightforward process. You need to use an oil that won’t cause acne. Some people use oil cleansers for oil pulling, which is an option. Although jojoba oil is supposed to be non-comedogenic, it has caused breakouts in many people, so it’s best to avoid it.
Oil pulling involves rubbing the oil onto your face for 1-2 minutes. Some people do this for longer, and some for 15 seconds. It’s best to start with a shorter period and work your way up so you know what your skin can handle.
Massaging the oil into your skin too much can irritate and break down your skin’s barrier. Applying too much pressure can result in broken capillaries.
After oil pulling for skin, double cleanse your face to wash away all the oil. Using an oil cleanser makes it easier to remove the oil. There are a few things to remember:
- Always cleanse afterwards
- Use a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation
- This can break down your skin’s barrier, so only do it 3-4 times monthly
- Keep skin nourished, especially after oil pulling to restore the barrier
- Avoid applying too much pressure
Does Oil Pulling Work?
Yes, oil pulling can work. The oil you rub onto/into your skin mixes with the oil and gunk within your skin. This helps dislodge the gunk. Then, when you cleanse away the oil, it washes it all away at once.
It’s important to note that, although people use the terms interchangeably, this isn’t the same as oil cleansing. Oil cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser. Most people use oil cleansers because they make great makeup removers.
The process of oil pulling is different. Oil pulling for skin involves massaging the oil into the skin for more extended periods to remove impurities. However, you shouldn’t massage the same spot for thirty minutes. Massage the oil into your face for 1-2 minutes in one area, then move on.
Benefits Of Oil Pulling For Skin
Oil pulling has several benefits for the skin. The most obvious is that it can help give your pores the deep clean they need. It’s also a great way to remove sebaceous filaments that can cause strawberry nose, and it’s affordable.
Drawbacks Of Oil Pulling For Skin
However, there are quite a few drawbacks of oil pulling. Many people with acne-prone skin have used an oil cleanser specifically for skin and wound up with severe breakouts. Some said their skin was red and inflamed afterwards. People with acne-prone or sensitive skin should use this method on a test area first to ensure they don’t have a bad reaction.
It’s also really easy to get oil pulling wrong. Accidentally applying too much pressure can lead to broken capillaries all over your face. This method can also leave your skin red and raw if you massage the oil into the skin too long.
Finding out what works for you without accidentally destroying your skin in the process can be challenging. I’ve done it on my nose with great results, but I’ve never used this method on my entire face.
Does Skin Type Matter?
Yes, skin type matters. Many people say it’s an excellent idea for all skin types and can clear out pores for acne-prone skin. However, there are way too many reviews and comments from people who have acne-prone skin and have wound up with severe breakouts, including people who have used oil cleansers designed for skin instead of cooking oil.
If you have acne-prone skin, use this method on a small patch of skin to test it before using it on the entire face.
Individuals with sensitive skin might find that the rubbing portion of oil pulling for skin irritates their skin. If this is the case, it doesn’t matter what kind of oil you use. People with sensitive skin should also test this method on a small patch before using it on their entire face.
What Type Of Oil To Use For Oil Pulling
All oils are not the same. Many people opt for a cleansing oil designed for the skin to help prevent a bad reaction. You still need to know a few things about types of oil to ensure you select the right product for your skin type.
- Avoid jojoba oil: Too many people have had a bad reaction or severe breakouts after using jojoba oil. Just don’t use it.
- For Dry Skin: Use olive, avocado, and marula oils.
- For Oily Skin: Try safflower, sunflower, and rosehip oils.
What Is Oil Pulling For Skin
Oil pulling for skin is a great way to help clear the gunk out of your skin that causes blackheads and sebaceous filaments that can cause tiny black dots on your face and nose.
I’ve had a great experience with it for my strawberry nose, but those little black dots reappear so it’s a part of a consistent skincare routine. Test a skin patch, avoid certain oils, and always double cleanse afterwards.
Related Articles
Rosehip Seed Oil for Skin: The Ultimate Guide
Julep Beauty Rosehip Seed Facial Oil Review